Repeated failure of epidural analgesia: an association with epidural fat?

Background And Objectives: To report the case of a patient who experienced repeated failed epidural analgesia associated with an unusual amount of fat in the epidural space (epidural lipomatosis).

Case Report: A 44-year-old female presented for an elective small bowel resection. An L(1-2) epidural catheter was placed for postoperative analgesia.